The passing of legendary actor Dharmendra on November 24, 2025, has left an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema. However, fans have one final opportunity to see the “He-Man” on the big screen in the upcoming war drama ‘Ikkis’.
Directed by the master of thrillers Sriram Raghavan (Andhadhun, Badlapur), the film is a poignant tribute to one of India’s youngest war heroes and serves as a significant milestone in Bollywood history.
The Plot: A Story of Immortal Courage
‘Ikkis’ is a biographical war drama based on the extraordinary life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
- Setting: The film is primarily set during the high-stakes Battle of Basantar during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.
- The Hero: At just 21 years old, Arun Khetarpal showed unparalleled bravery by single-handedly destroying several enemy tanks before making the ultimate sacrifice.
- The Title: ‘Ikkis’ (meaning ‘Twenty-One’) signifies the age at which the soldier became a martyr, immortalizing the phrase used in the film’s trailer: “He was 21, and he will always be 21.”
Dharmendra’s Final Role
In his final cinematic appearance, Dharmendra portrays an emotionally heavy and grounded character:
- Role: He plays Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal, the father of Arun Khetarpal.
- Emotional Core: The story explores the deep bond between the father and his heroic son. Director Sriram Raghavan noted that Dharmendra brought immense “grace and warmth” to the role, particularly in scenes depicting the father’s pride and subsequent grief.
- Special Homage: The film will reportedly feature a final poem written by Dharmendra himself, titled “Aj bhi ji karda hai…”, reflecting his real-life connection to his Punjab roots.
Cast and Crew
The film features a blend of veteran talent and fresh faces:
- Agastya Nanda: Making his theatrical debut, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson plays the lead role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.
- Jaideep Ahlawat: Plays a pivotal role as a senior military officer/mentor.
- Simar Bhatia: Making her debut (Akshay Kumar’s niece), she plays a key supporting character.
- Production: Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the movie features high-scale tank battles and was shot on 35mm to give it an authentic, period-accurate feel.
Release Details
Originally slated for a Christmas 2025 release, the film’s date was pushed to avoid the massive box office clash with Dhurandhar and Avatar: Fire and Ash.
- Theatrical Release: January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day).
- OTT Platform: Following its theatrical run, the film is expected to stream on Amazon Prime Video.